Lionel Messi wasted no time settling in with his new team, Inter Miami. He joined his teammates for a training session, jogging alongside them, participating in warm-up drills, and effortlessly scoring a goal. Messi earns between $50 million and $60 million annually.
As Messi took the field for training, the atmosphere was electric. A helicopter hovered overhead, drones buzzed around, and approximately 200 media members gathered to catch a glimpse of the football superstar. Messi, along with fellow new signing Sergio Busquets, who is also a World Cup winner, walked through a welcome tunnel formed by their teammates, receiving applause along the way.
Messi's first match with Inter Miami is expected to take place on Friday in a Leagues Cup contest against Cruz Azul. Ticket prices have been fluctuating, with some available on the secondary market for as low as $275 and premium seats exceeding $19,000. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, a Republican candidate for president, has even leveraged Messi's debut game as an opportunity to raise funds, encouraging supporters to make a $1 donation for a chance to be seated in the front row.
Messi's arrival has generated immense excitement, and Inter Miami hopes to capitalize on his talent. The U.S. Open Cup semifinals, in which Inter Miami will face Cincinnati, are scheduled for late August, with the final taking place in September.
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Messi's decision to play in the United States is a significant boost for American soccer on the professional stage. While legendary players like Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Thierry Henry, and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham have graced American soccer in the later stages of their careers, securing a player of Messi's caliber, still at the pinnacle of his game and fresh off a World Cup victory, is monumental. This arrival comes at an opportune time, with the United States set to host part of the next World Cup in 2026.
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